Ryan Chesley (born February 27, 2004) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract as a prospect to the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the second round, 37th overall, by the Capitals in the 2022 NHL entry draft.
Playing career Chesley played two seasons with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, spending 2021–22 season with the under-18 team, and the 2020–21 season with the under-17 team.
On July 8, 2022, Chesley was drafted in the second round, 37th overall, by the Washington Capitals in the 2022 NHL entry draft.
Chesley began his college ice hockey for the University of Minnesota during the 2022–23 season. During his freshman year he recorded two goals and eight assists in 36 games. During the 2023–24 season, in his sophomore year, he recorded two goals and six assists in 37 games. He led the league with 74 blocked shots. Following the season he was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team. During the 2024–25 season, in his junior year, he recorded eight goals and 12 assists in 40 games. Following the season he was named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honoree.
On May 16, 2025, having concluded his collegiate career, Chesley was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals.
International play
Chesley first represented the United States internationally at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics, where he recorded one goal and two assists in four games and won a silver medal.
The following year, he was named to Team USA for the 2021 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he recorded one goal in five games. He again represented Team USA at the 2022 IIHF World U18 Championships, where he recorded two goals and three assists in six games, and won a silver medal. Team USA lost the championship game against Sweden, despite outshooting them 51–15 during the game.
On December 12, 2022, Chesley was named to the national junior team to compete at the 2023 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. During the tournament he recorded one assist in seven games and won a bronze medal.
On December 16, 2023, Chesley was again named to Team USA's roster to compete at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. Serving as an alternate captain, he recorded one goal and three assists in seven games and won a gold medal. He skated on the top defensive pairing with Lane Hutson.
Personal life Chesley was born to Steve and Paula Chesley. He has an older sister named Rachel.
Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular seasonPlayoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2020–21 U.S. National Development Team USHL 27 6 8 14 12 — — — — — 2021–22 U.S. National Development Team USHL 26 5 10 15 45 — — — — — 2022–23 University of Minnesota B1G 36 2 8 10 15 — — — — — 2023–24 University of Minnesota B1G 39 2 6 8 19 — — — — — 2024–25 University of Minnesota B1G 40 8 12 20 48 — — — — — 2024–25 Hershey Bears AHL 4 1 2 3 0 — — — — — 2025–26 Hershey Bears AHL 64 6 10 16 18 2 0 1 1 0AHL totals 68 7 12 19 18 2 0 1 1 0
International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2021 United States U18 5th 5 1 0 1 2 2022 United States U18 6 2 3 5 4 2023 United States WJC 7 0 1 1 0 2024 United States WJC 7 1 3 4 0 Junior totals 25 4 7 11 6
Awards and honors Award YearCollege All-Big Ten Second Team 2024
References
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